A study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease do not report lower quality of life characteristics than healthy individuals.
The researchers identified 112 patients who were diagnosed with IBD as children or adolescents, who they matched with healthy individuals for age and sex. These patients were followed for a mean of 14.3 years and completed questionnaires on education, employment and marital status.
Here's what you need to know:
1. Patients with IBD were more likely to earn more money per year.
2. Patients with IBD were more likely to attain a post-secondary school degree.
3. There was no significant difference between patients and controls in employment.
4. There was no significant difference between patients and controls in marital status.
The researchers concluded: "adults diagnosed with IBD during childhood seem to achieve higher education levels than individuals without IBD. This observation should provide reassurance to children with IBD and their parents."